1A - Life's Little Amusements History, Terms & Questions Blog - Introduction

Life's Little Amusements is a Home & Garden Store specializing in Bonsai Trees, Bonsai Accessories, Outdoor Patio & Garden Decor items and Indoor Gardening Accessories.  We are a Customer Service oriented company.  Our Goal is to provide no hassle excellence; in both the products and the customer service provided to our customersThe purpose of this Blog is to provide our customers with General Information on; The History & Art of...

1B - Introduction to the History & Art of Bonsai

Introduction to the History & Art of Bonsai The art of Bonsai as we know it, traces back almost 2000 yrs.  From ancient paintings and manuscripts, we know that “artistic” container trees were being cultivated by scholars, monks and the noble classes in China around 600 AD; however, many scholars feel that bonsai, or at least “trees in pots”, were being grown in China as far back as 500 or...

2A - Brief Descriptions of the Five Main Bonsai Styles

The Five Basic Bonsai Styles: Formal Upright, Informal Upright, Slanting (or windswept), Semi-Cascade and Cascade. This post is a brief introduction to the Five Classic Styles and some of the Sub Styles of Bonsai.What ever the style and its requirements, it is important to remember that in all types of bonsai, neither the trunk or any of the branches should point towards the viewer when the bonsai is viewed from...

3A - BONSAI TERMS – An excerpt from “ALL ABOUT BONSAI” By Tom Regan

BONSAI TERMS – An excerpt from “ALL ABOUT BONSAI” By Tom Regan Having a working familiarity with bonsai terminology will enable you to effectively express all facets of your bonsai activities to others, both more and less skilled than yourself, in the bonsai community. The following list of words and definitions will help you on your way to becoming fluent in the unique language of bonsai:   1. Accent Plant...

4A - Frequently Asked Questions About Bonsai Trees

Frequently Used Terms & Asked Questions About Bonsai Trees   Practiced for centuries in China and Japan, the art of Bonsai is the reproduction of natural tree forms in miniature.  Bonsai trees are living miniature trees which increase in beauty and value as they mature over the years.   How often should I water my bonsai tree? Unlike a houseplant, bonsai trees use a "free draining" type of soil because...

5A - Watering Question: Temperature['s] up which is suitable for plants; how often watered?

Watering Question: Temperature['s] up, which is suitable for plants, how often [should the plant be] watered?  This question was specific to an outdoor Bonsai; climate unknown, but this answer is good general advise for most Bonsai, kept outdoors during the summer. Answer: Water needs depends on the climate; temperature & humidity where you live; what growth stage the plant is in. Apply water when the soil appears dry -- never...

6A - Winter Low Temperatures by USDA hardiness zones

USDA Map of  Range of Winter Low temperatures by ZoneFrom USDA Web SiteNote regarding Bonsai and Temperature Zones ; "Hardness" is slightly different for Bonsai vs Garden or even regular potted plants.  The roots of plants grown in the garden are protected by the ground from cold and dehydration. Regular potted plants have more soil and extended root systems which offers some protection; though not as much as garden soil....

7A - Warm Climate and Deciduous Trees (East Coast, US) Questions

Warm Climate and Deciduous Trees (East Coast, US) I get lots of questions asking about growing Deciduous Trees (of the warm-cold cycle type) in the warm climate of central and south Florida; locations which are approximately zones 9B - 10B / 11.  These are zones in which temperatures normally do not fall below 35F to 40F during winter; for the extended periods needed by deciduous plants.  The questions usually involve people living in South...

8A - Resources - Information on Plant Terminology

Resources - Information on Plant Terminology Read more about Leaf Shape:  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leaf_shape Read more about Flower Petals or corolla:  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Petal Read more about Fruit Follicle:  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Follicle_%28fruit%29